Current Affairs 27 September 2026
30 stories for 27 September 2026: India's first LNG-powered train, a Section 11 order for captive coal plants, drought in Maharashtra, record net FDI in July, the 138th Mann Ki Baat, India's third straight Gaprindashvili Trophy, seven Asian Games medals and World Tourism Day.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| First LNG train | Sabarmati–Patan dual-fuel DEMU | Railways |
| Captive plants order | Section 11, Electricity Act; 112 entities | MoP |
| Net FDI (July) | $7.35 bn; highest since May 2021 | RBI |
| Private project sanctions | ₹4.4 lakh crore (+19%) | RBI |
| Maharashtra drought | 265 of 358 taluks | GoM |
| Marathwada deficit | 38% | IMD |
| Mann Ki Baat | 138th episode | AIR |
| Modhera | First 24×7 solar village | — |
| Gaprindashvili Trophy | India, 3rd in a row | FIDE |
| Chess Olympiad | India Open silver, Women bronze | FIDE |
| India tally (Day 8) | 37 medals | Asian Games |
| World Tourism Day | Host El Salvador | UN Tourism |
Economy
5 storiesCaptive coal plants told to run at full capacity
The Union Ministry of Power invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003 to direct captive coal-based plants of 50 MW and above to run at maximum available capacity from 1 October to 31 December 2026. The order, issued on 25 September, covers 112 captive generating entities. The Ministry cited the demand-supply situation and an expected rise in electricity demand. Section 11 allows such directions in extraordinary circumstances. Captive plants generate power mainly for their owners' use.
Net FDI inflows highest since May 2021
India's net FDI inflows reached $7.35 billion in July 2026, the highest monthly figure since May 2021. Gross FDI was $14.58 billion. Net inflows for April–July 2026 were $13.43 billion, up 38%. Communication, financial and computer services received over four-fifths of equity inflows. Mauritius, the UAE and the US accounted for about 70%.
RBI study: private project sanctions rise 19%
An RBI study shows the cost of private projects sanctioned by banks and financial institutions rose 19% to ₹4.4 lakh crore in 2025-26. Six States accounted for 67.1% of the total. Maharashtra led with ₹88,880 crore, followed by Gujarat and Rajasthan. Including ECBs and IPOs, investment intentions reached ₹5.6 lakh crore across 1,839 projects. Banks and financial institutions financed about 55% of project cost.
NMDC commissions pellet plant at Nagarnar
NMDC Ltd has commissioned its 2 million tonne per annum pellet plant at Nagarnar in Chhattisgarh, the Ministry of Steel said on 27 September 2026. It is part of a ₹5,427 crore integrated project for iron ore processing, pipeline transport and pellet making. The project includes a new processing plant at Bacheli and a 15 MTPA slurry pipeline. The 135-km pipeline carries iron ore concentrate from Bacheli to Nagarnar instead of by road. The facilities will process iron ore fines and slimes from the Bailadila mines.
National Conference on Rabi Campaign 2026 on 28–29 September
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare announced on 27 September 2026 a National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2026. It is scheduled for 28–29 September 2026 at the NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is to inaugurate it. State Agriculture Ministers, officials and ICAR will discuss preparedness for the rabi season. It will build on the outcomes of recent zonal conferences.
Polity & Governance
4 storiesIndia's first LNG-powered train flagged off
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah flagged off India's first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati station, Ahmedabad, on 27 September 2026. It is a dual-fuel LNG-diesel DEMU on the Sabarmati–Patan route. Liquefied natural gas replaces up to 40% of the diesel used. The train had been in trial passenger service since 30 January 2026 after over 2,000 km of field trials. Using LNG lowers fuel costs and emissions.
WAG-12 loco shed and Kavach section opened in Gujarat
Along with the LNG train, a ₹700 crore shed for WAG-12 electric locomotives was opened at Sabarmati. Kavach was commissioned on the Sabarmati–Kalol section. These were part of railway projects worth about ₹1,500 crore. The WAG-12 is a 12,000 HP electric freight locomotive. It is built at Madhepura, Bihar.
Mann Ki Baat: Modhera solar village and conservation
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke in the 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 27 September 2026. He referred to Modhera in Mehsana, Gujarat, as India's first 24×7 solar village, declared in 2022. Modhera is also known for its Sun Temple built by Chaulukya king Bhimdev I. He reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast on All India Radio on the last Sunday of the month.
Justice B. V. Nagarathna on mediation in family disputes
Supreme Court judge Justice B. V. Nagarathna called for integrating alternative dispute resolution with adjudication in family disputes. She spoke at an eastern zone regional conference in Guwahati on 26 September 2026. She said mediation brings speed and privacy but cannot replace adjudication. The Family Courts Act, 1984 requires family courts to first attempt settlement. The Mediation Act, 2023 provides a statutory framework for mediation.
International Relations
3 storiesUNGA statement: 'Four Fs' and UN reform
In India's national statement at UNGA-81, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said conflicts hurt the Global South through the 'Four Fs': food, fuel, fertilisers and finance. He reiterated India's support for a two-state solution in West Asia. He called for reformed multilateralism, including expansion of the UN Security Council. He also referred to the new Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, co-chaired by India and Liberia. He reaffirmed India's position on countering terrorism.
Bangladesh and US sign civil nuclear MoU
Bangladesh and the United States signed an MoU on civil nuclear cooperation in New York on 25 September 2026. It commits both sides to high standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and non-proliferation. It supplements an energy cooperation agreement signed in May 2026. Bangladesh is building its first nuclear plant at Rooppur with Russian assistance. Rooppur has two VVER-1200 reactors.
China responds to Japan on 'enemy state' clauses
China opposed Japan's call to delete the 'enemy state' clauses from the UN Charter. The clauses appear in Articles 53, 77 and 107. UNGA resolution 50/52 of 1995 declared them obsolete. Under Article 108, a Charter amendment needs adoption by two-thirds of the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of members, including all five permanent members. The clauses therefore remain in the text.
World
2 storiesUS and China agree tariff cuts and AI dialogue
China said on 27 September 2026 that it and the US had agreed to cut tariffs on $30 billion of goods each way. Goods covered include farm products, wood, cosmetics, small appliances and toys. The two also agreed to set up a trade council and extend their trade truce. An eight-point consensus launched a dialogue on AI risks and benefits. The agreements followed President H.E. Xi Jinping's three-day visit to Washington.
US rejects Iranian proposal on Hormuz
US President H.E. Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal, conveyed through Qatari mediators, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities within seven days. Iranian President H.E. Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was ready for talks on its nuclear programme. He said Iran would not give up its nuclear rights, including enrichment. The Strait of Hormuz is a key chokepoint for global oil supplies. Disruption there affects India's energy imports.
Schemes & Missions
2 storiesShe-Mart and women's cooperative initiatives launched
Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah launched women's empowerment and cooperative initiatives in Kollam, Kerala. She-Mart will connect women's SHGs and rural entrepreneurs directly to markets, with over 300 stores planned in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses will give urad and gram seeds to women farmers. The NAFED-Kalyan Scholarship Scheme supports girls from farm families. The government aims to create 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029.
India ranks 10th at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
India finished 10th at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said on 27 September 2026. The team won 6 silver medals and 20 Medallions for Excellence. India had finished 13th at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 with four bronze medals. Silver medals came in bakery, dental prosthetics, digital interactive media design, industrial design technology, logistics and freight forwarding, and retail sales. Smriti Nambiar won silver in bakery.
Environment
3 storiesPygmy hog numbers rise in Assam
In Mann Ki Baat, the Hon'ble Prime Minister said Assam's pygmy hog population released into the wild has grown to over 190 from six animals released. He also noted that elephants have returned to Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. The pygmy hog is the world's smallest wild pig. It lives in tall grasslands of the Himalayan foothills.
Maharashtra declares drought in 265 taluks
The Maharashtra government declared drought in 265 of its 358 taluks across Vidarbha, Marathwada, northern Maharashtra and the Pune division. The declaration was based on a continuous dry spell of at least 21 days since June. It activates 12 relief measures, including land revenue waivers and crop loan restructuring. Agricultural pump electricity bills are also exempted. A Cabinet sub-committee will oversee relief.
Marathwada faces 38% rainfall deficit
Maharashtra recorded a monsoon rainfall deficit of 18%, with Marathwada worst hit at 38%. Deficits in 21 of 36 districts damaged kharif crops. Some areas reported severe crop losses. Maharashtra's Employment Guarantee Scheme began during the 1972 drought.
Science & Tech
1 storyGoogle tests solar-powered AI computing in orbit
Google's Project Suncatcher aims to place solar-powered AI computing in space. Its first experimental satellite carries four Tensor Processing Units powered by about one kilowatt of solar panels. It was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base. It is designed to operate for one year to test hardware in space conditions. Radiation and launch costs are the main challenges.
Defence
1 storyINS Sahyadri and INS Kulish in ADMM-Plus maritime security activity
INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish completed their participation in the 23rd ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity at Subic Bay, Philippines. The closing ceremony was held on 25 September 2026. The activity began on 21 September 2026, hosted by the Philippine Navy and co-chaired by Japan. INS Sahyadri is a stealth frigate and INS Kulish a missile corvette. Indian personnel took part in a tabletop exercise and a sea phase.
Appointments
1 storyLalit Kala Akademi announces 20 National Awards
The Lalit Kala Akademi announced 20 National Awards at its 65th National Exhibition of Art on 27 September 2026. A total of 270 works were selected from 6,175 entries. The entries came from 2,495 artists in 27 States and UTs. The Akademi was set up in 1954 and is based in New Delhi. It functions under the Ministry of Culture.
Sports
6 storiesIndia wins third straight Gaprindashvili Trophy
India won the Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy for the best combined Open and Women's result for the third straight Olympiad as the 46th Chess Olympiad ended in Samarkand on 27 September 2026. India's Open team won silver and the women won bronze. Hosts Uzbekistan won Open gold and China won the Women's gold. India had won both golds at Budapest 2024. India also won the trophy at Chennai 2022.
Athletics silvers for Sarvesh Kushare and Ancy Sojan
Sarvesh Kushare won silver in the men's high jump at the Asian Games on 27 September 2026 with 2.25 m, losing gold on countback. Ancy Sojan won long jump silver with 6.53 m, 2 cm behind China's Huang Yingying. India won seven medals on Day 8. The tally rose to 37: 4 gold, 16 silver and 17 bronze. China crossed 200 medals.
Bronzes for Parul Chaudhary, Tejaswin Shankar and Harita Bhadra
Parul Chaudhary won bronze in the women's 3000m steeplechase on 27 September 2026 in a personal best of 9:08.67. Tejaswin Shankar won decathlon bronze with 7,934 points. He had won silver in 2022. Harita Bhadra won bronze in the women's 200m in 23.20 seconds. Singapore's Shanti Pereira won the 200m gold.
Squash silvers; three boxing medals assured
Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh won squash singles silvers at the Asian Games on 27 September 2026. Both lost their finals to Malaysian players. In boxing, Parveen Hooda (women's 65 kg), Ankush Panghal (men's 80 kg) and Narender (men's +90 kg) reached the semi-finals. This assures them at least bronze medals. Boxing awards two bronzes per weight category.
Virat Kohli reaches 15,000 ODI runs
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 139, his 55th ODI century, against West Indies at Thiruvananthapuram on 27 September 2026. He became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs. India chased 296 to win by 8 wickets. Captain Shubman Gill scored 110. Kuldeep Yadav took 4 for 40.
Team Europe wins Laver Cup
Team Europe won the 9th Laver Cup 13-5 over Team World at The O2, London, on 27 September 2026. It was Europe's sixth title. The Laver Cup is named after Australian tennis player Rod Laver.
Important Days
2 storiesWorld Tourism Day
World Tourism Day was observed on 27 September 2026 with the theme 'Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism'. The host country was El Salvador. The day marks the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970. Tourism contributed 5.22% of India's GDP and 8.46 crore jobs in 2023-24, according to PIB. India's e-Visa covers 172 countries.
World Rivers Day
World Rivers Day was observed on 27 September 2026. It falls on the fourth Sunday of September. It was started in 2005 by Canadian river advocate Mr Mark Angelo. The day highlights threats to rivers such as pollution and over-extraction. India's river conservation programmes include Namami Gange.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.India's first LNG-powered train runs on which route?
Answer: B. Sabarmati–Patan, Western Railway.
Q2.Captive coal plants were directed to run at full capacity under which provision?
Answer: B. Section 11 allows directions in extraordinary circumstances.
Q3.India's first 24×7 solar village is:
Answer: B. Modhera, Mehsana, Gujarat.
Q4.The pygmy hog is found mainly in:
Answer: B. Grasslands of Assam.
Q5.The Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy is awarded for:
Answer: B. Combined Open and Women's result.
Q6.Who became only the second batter to reach 15,000 ODI runs?
Answer: B. After Sachin Tendulkar.
Q7.Maharashtra's Employment Guarantee Scheme began during the drought of:
Answer: B. 1972.
Q8.Under Article 108, UN Charter amendments need ratification by two-thirds of members including:
Answer: B. All five permanent members.
Q9.World Tourism Day 2026 was hosted by:
Answer: B. El Salvador.
Q10.World Rivers Day is observed on:
Answer: B. Fourth Sunday of September.
Source: PIB, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, The Times of India and The Hindu.
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