Current Affairs 7 September 2026
30 stories for 7 September 2026: clean-air city rankings, ₹1.10 lakh crore of defence approvals, the Western Zonal Council in Panaji, WHO's validation of Bhutan's rabies elimination, a decade of inflation targeting, banking liquidity at a four-year high and more.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation target, 2026–31 | 4% CPI, band 2–6% (Sec. 45ZA, RBI Act) | Centre and RBI |
| PLFS unemployment, July | 5.1% (CWS, age 15+) | MoSPI |
| Liquidity surplus, 3 Sept | About ₹10.3 lakh crore, four-year high | RBI data |
| ADB first TAS mandate in India | Madhya Pradesh; renewable PPPs | 7 Sept |
| Western Zonal Council | 28th meeting, Panaji | MHA, 7 Sept |
| Zonal Councils | States Reorganisation Act, 1956; five councils | Constitution |
| Aravalli definition deadline | 30 November 2026 | SC, 7 Sept |
| NCSK Chairperson | Shri Bhagwat Prasad Makwana (till 31 Mar 2028) | MoSJE |
| Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026 | Lucknow 1st, Indore 2nd, Jabalpur 3rd | MoEFCC, 7 Sept |
| DAC approvals | About ₹1.10 lakh crore; 98% indigenous | MoD, 7 Sept |
| Bhutan rabies | First in WHO SEAR to eliminate dog-mediated rabies | WHO, 4 Sept |
| Vibrant Villages Programme | ₹11,639 crore; 2,616+ villages | MHA |
| PM-SETU | ₹2,171 crore across nine ITI clusters | MSDE, 7 Sept |
| Clean Air Day | UNGA res. 74/212; first observed 2020 | 7 Sept |
Economy
4 storiesTen years of flexible inflation targeting
India adopted flexible inflation targeting in 2016 through Section 45ZA of the RBI Act, 1934, under which the Centre sets the inflation target in consultation with the RBI every five years. The target has been 4% CPI inflation with a band of 2% to 6% since 2016, and it has been retained for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee sets the repo rate to keep inflation close to the target. The RBI is deemed to have failed if average inflation stays outside the band for three consecutive quarters, after which it must report to the Centre, as it did in November 2022.
Unemployment rate falls to 5.1% in July
The monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey showed the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above at 5.1% in July 2026, a four-month low. The decline was attributed largely to seasonal demand for farm work during the kharif season. The figure is measured on the Current Weekly Status basis, which looks at a person's activity over the previous seven days. The PLFS was revamped from January 2025 to give monthly estimates for rural and urban areas. Under the ILO definition, the unemployed are people without work who are available for and seeking work.
Shri Piyush Goyal sets a target of one crore medical tourists a year
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, speaking at the Sanjeevani 2026 expo in New Delhi on 7 September 2026, set a goal of attracting 10 million international medical tourists to India each year. He asked hospitals to register on the Heal in India portal and to publish transparent prices. The AYUSH visa, introduced in 2023, allows foreigners to come to India for traditional medicine treatment. Medical value travel is promoted jointly by the health, tourism and commerce ministries.
Coal rake loading to the power sector rises to 444 rakes a day
Coal loading to the power sector rose from 370 rakes on 3 September 2026 to 444 rakes on 6 September 2026, the Ministry of Coal said on 7 September. This is an improvement of 74 rakes a day, or about 20%, over the four-day period. Loading rose by 31 rakes on 6 September alone. The increase reflects efforts by Coal India, its subsidiaries, SCCL and captive mine operators.
Banking & Markets
3 storiesBanking system liquidity surplus reaches a four-year high
The banking system's liquidity surplus reached about ₹10.3 lakh crore on 3 September 2026, the highest in four years. It was driven by foreign-currency inflows, including $136.377 billion through the RBI's special swap facility. FCNR(B) deposits of $127.226 billion added to liquidity because fresh deposits under the scheme were exempt from CRR and SLR. The daily average surplus in August was about ₹3.67 lakh crore, more than three times July's level. A large surplus tends to push overnight rates below the policy rate, and the RBI has been using variable rate reverse repo auctions to absorb it.
Private banks raise nearly half of the FCNR(B) inflows
Banks raised about $130 billion through the special FCNR(B) deposit window for non-resident Indians, which closed on 31 August 2026. The inflows eased pressure on the rupee and added to foreign exchange reserves. Banks have until 11 September to use the RBI's dollar swap facility for these deposits. FCNR(B) deposits are term deposits held in foreign currency, so the depositor does not face exchange-rate risk.
ADB signs its first Transaction Advisory Services mandate in India with Madhya Pradesh
The Asian Development Bank signed its first Transaction Advisory Services mandate in India with the Madhya Pradesh government in Bhopal on 7 September 2026. ADB will help structure renewable energy projects under public-private partnership and aims to draw up to $1 billion of private investment. The first project is a solar plant with battery energy storage at Shajapur. The agreement was signed by ADB's India Country Director in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. ADB was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Manila.
Polity & Governance
8 storiesWestern Zonal Council meets in Panaji
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah chaired the 28th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Panaji, Goa, on 7 September 2026. The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant, Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, and Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and the Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The Home Minister said 1,445 of the 1,893 issues raised in zonal council meetings had been resolved, and that 71 such meetings had been held since 2014. Zonal Councils are statutory bodies set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. There are five of them, each chaired by the Union Home Minister.
Goa Police receives the President's Colour
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah presented the President's Colour to Goa Police at Taleigao on 7 September 2026. The President's Colour is the highest honour that can be awarded to a military or police unit in recognition of exceptional service. On the same occasion he launched an AI-based voice assistant in 12 languages for the 1930 cyber-crime helpline. The helpline is part of the national system for reporting financial cyber fraud. It is coordinated by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Hon'ble Union Home Minister outlines a roadmap for a drug-free India by 2029
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah set out a roadmap for a drug-free India by 2029, with the period from 2026 to 2029 to be run in mission mode with set goals, timelines and accountability. The strategy covers supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction through four pillars: intelligence-based enforcement, control of precursor chemicals, demand and harm reduction, and capacity building. Drug seizures rose from about 26 lakh kg in 2004–2014 to more than 1.19 crore kg in 2014–2026, according to the Ministry. A four-tier Narco Coordination Centre mechanism links agencies at different levels. Anti-narcotics task forces have been set up in all States and Union Territories.
Supreme Court sets a 30 November deadline to define the Aravallis
A Bench headed by Hon'ble Chief Justice of India Shri Justice Surya Kant on 7 September 2026 set a deadline of 30 November 2026 for the five-member high-powered committee to finalise the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges and a plan for their protection. The Court declined the committee's request for a six-month extension and said the deadline will not be extended. The committee is chaired by the Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. It had proposed an ecosystem-based framework rather than a single height test. The definition will determine where mining and construction restrictions apply.
Tribal Affairs Ministry clarifies gram sabha role under the Forest Rights Act
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the nodal ministry for the Forest Rights Act, 2006, said the Act and its rules contain no provision requiring gram sabha consent for Stage-II forest clearance, as reported on 7 September 2026. It also said questions about consent for forest clearance do not fall within its purview. The communication was sent to the Ministry of Power in the context of delays in power projects. Under Section 6 of the FRA, the gram sabha initiates the process of determining individual and community forest rights. Section 4(5) bars eviction of forest dwellers until recognition and verification of their rights is complete.
Punjab Cabinet asks the Centre to hold a High Court Chief Justice appointment
The Punjab Cabinet passed a resolution asking the Centre to keep in abeyance the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as reported on 7 September 2026. The State said its views had not been sought as required under the Memorandum of Procedure for appointment of High Court judges. Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Singh Mann wrote to the President, the Prime Minister and the Governor of Punjab enclosing the resolution. Article 217 requires consultation with the Governor of the State, and for a common High Court, Article 231 extends this to the Governors of all the States it serves. Justice Mishra had been Acting Chief Justice since June 2026.
Collegium to take up Supreme Court vacancies after all High Courts get regular Chief Justices
With the eight recent appointments, all 25 High Courts now have regular Chief Justices, and the Supreme Court Collegium is expected to take up four vacancies in the Supreme Court. The sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court was increased in May 2026 through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026. Hon'ble Chief Justice of India Shri Justice Surya Kant, who took office on 24 November 2025, is due to retire on 9 February 2027. Justice B. V. Nagaratna is currently the only woman judge of the Supreme Court and is a member of the Collegium. Supreme Court judges are appointed under Article 124 and retire at 65.
Shri Bhagwat Prasad Makwana appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment appointed Shri Bhagwat Prasad Makwana as Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, as announced on 7 September 2026. Shri Kaishab Bihari of Odisha was appointed Vice-Chairperson. Shri Manoj Kumar Balmiki, Smt. Sushma Gaudiyal and Shri Ravi Ramu Kalose were named members. All will serve until 31 March 2028, the remaining tenure of the Commission. The NCSK monitors the welfare of sanitation workers and the implementation of the law prohibiting manual scavenging.
International Relations
2 storiesMEA: vote on map resolution does not endorse any boundary depiction
The Ministry of External Affairs said India's vote on 4 September 2026 in favour of the UN General Assembly's 'Correct the Map' resolution does not mean endorsement of any particular map or depiction of boundaries. Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said maps used by the UN should show Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in line with India's official position. The resolution was introduced by Togo on behalf of the African Group. It encourages equal-area projections such as Equal Earth and is non-binding. It does not change any international boundary or the legal status of any territory.
AYUSH provisions in India's trade agreements
India is including traditional medicine in its trade agreements and health diplomacy. The India–Oman CEPA and the India–New Zealand FTA, which became operational in June 2026, contain provisions on traditional medicine. Under the India–EU FTA, AYUSH practitioners can use their Indian qualifications in EU countries that do not have their own regulatory frameworks for these systems.
World
1 storyWHO validates Bhutan's elimination of dog-mediated rabies
The World Health Organization validated on 4 September 2026 that Bhutan has eliminated dog-mediated rabies as a public health problem. Bhutan is the first country in WHO's South-East Asia Region to achieve this. Its last human death from rabies was recorded in June 2023, and its approach combined mass dog vaccination and dog population management under a One Health framework. The global 'Zero by 30' plan and India's National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination, launched in 2021, aim to end such deaths by 2030.
Schemes & Missions
2 storiesVibrant Villages Programme covers more than 2,616 border villages
A PIB feature described the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to develop border villages as 'first villages' with better roads, electricity, telecom, health, education and livelihoods. The combined outlay is ₹11,639 crore for more than 2,616 villages, with the Ministry of Home Affairs as the nodal ministry. VVP-I, a ₹4,800 crore Centrally Sponsored Scheme for villages on the northern border, was launched in April 2023 at Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh. VVP-II, a ₹6,839 crore Central Sector Scheme for other land borders, was approved in April 2025 and launched in February 2026 at Nathanpur, Assam. Village Action Plans guide convergence of existing schemes.
PM-SETU committee approves plans for three ITI clusters
The fifth National Steering Committee of PM-SETU, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on 7 September 2026, approved Strategic Investment Plans worth ₹735.70 crore for three ITI clusters. The clusters are at Bhiwadi in Rajasthan, Medchal in Telangana and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. This takes the total sanctioned investment under the scheme to ₹2,171 crore across nine clusters. PM-SETU stands for Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs. It upgrades government ITIs in a hub-and-spoke model with industry partners.
Environment
2 storiesLucknow tops the 5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan
Lucknow ranked first among cities with more than ten lakh people in the 5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in New Delhi on 7 September 2026. Indore was second and Jabalpur third. Rourkela won in the 3 to 10 lakh category and Kalinga Nagar in the category below 3 lakh, and ward-level awards were introduced this year. The Ministry said 108 of 130 cities under the National Clean Air Programme have reduced PM10 levels compared with 2017-18. The survey ranks cities on actions taken to improve air quality.
NITI Aayog launches PACT and a Zero Emission Truck marketplace
NITI Aayog launched the Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport and the Zero Emission Truck Marketplace at the fifth e-FAST India Summit in New Delhi on 7 September 2026. PACT pools freight demand so that operators can place larger orders for electric trucks. The ZET Marketplace links e-truck makers, fleet operators, charging providers and financiers. e-FAST stands for Electric Freight Accelerator for Sustainable Transport, and its partners include the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Heavy Industries and WRI India. Deployments of electric freight vehicles under the initiative rose from 201 in 2024-25 to 826 in 2025-26.
Science & Tech
4 storiesBHU documents more than 10,000 artefacts from Rajghat in Varanasi
Banaras Hindu University is documenting more than 10,000 artefacts excavated decades ago at Rajghat in Varanasi, which had remained in storage for about 70 years. The finds include pottery estimated to be about 3,000 years old, seals, punch-marked coins, ivory and iron objects, terracotta figurines and a human skeleton that is being studied for the first time. DNA analysis is expected to provide information on the site's early inhabitants. Kashi was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas named in Buddhist texts.
ISRO says industry participation will expand the space ecosystem
Responding to questions from its employee associations, ISRO said private sector participation is meant to expand the space ecosystem and add capacity, not to reduce ISRO's role. ISRO said it will focus on frontier technologies, advanced research, human spaceflight and deep-space missions. Mature and routinely produced systems are to be taken up by industry. India's space economy is valued at about $8.4 billion, with a target of $44 billion by 2033. The Indian Space Policy 2023 sets out the roles of ISRO, IN-SPACe, NSIL and private entities.
Hon'ble Vice-President releases a book on Dr. Bhupen Hazarika's centenary
Hon'ble Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released 'Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Song' at Gauhati University, Guwahati, on 7 September 2026, marking the birth centenary of the singer and composer. He also released the fifth edition of the Assamese dictionary 'Chandrakanta Abhidhan' and a book on the role of the North Eastern Council. Foundation stones were laid for university projects worth ₹110 crore. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2019.
IndiaAI Mission and Sweden discuss AI cooperation under SITAC
The IndiaAI Mission under MeitY held a bilateral dialogue with a Swedish delegation in New Delhi, the Ministry said on 7 September 2026. The dialogue took place under the Sweden–India Technology and AI Corridor (SITAC). It brought together MeitY, the IndiaAI Mission, the Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden and Swedish companies. The discussions covered India's AI ecosystem, digitalisation priorities and opportunities for bilateral engagement. Shri Saurabh Vijay, CEO of the IndiaAI Mission, gave the opening remarks.
Defence
2 storiesDefence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity on 7 September 2026 to capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore. About 98% of the value is to be sourced from Indian industry. The approvals include CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, Advanced Light Helicopters, Sarvatra bridging systems, Arudhra radars and indigenous marine gas turbines for the Navy. Acceptance of Necessity is the first step in the procurement process under the Defence Acquisition Procedure. The DAC is the Ministry of Defence's highest body for capital procurement decisions.
Tata Boeing Aerospace delivers its 400th Apache fuselage
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited delivered its 400th AH-64E Apache fuselage from its Hyderabad facility on 7 September 2026. The joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Boeing was formed in 2016. It supplies fuselages for Apache helicopters built by Boeing for customers around the world. The facility also makes aerostructures for other Boeing aircraft. The milestone reflects India's growing role in global aerospace supply chains.
Important Days
2 storiesInternational Day of Clean Air for blue skies observed on 7 September
The International Day of Clean Air for blue skies was observed on 7 September 2026, its seventh observance. The UN General Assembly established the day through resolution 74/212 in December 2019, and it was first marked in 2020. The day draws attention to the health and climate effects of air pollution and the need for cooperation to reduce it. India used the occasion to announce the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan awards under the National Clean Air Programme. NCAP, launched in 2019, aims to reduce particulate pollution in more than 130 cities.
First International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir opens in Srinagar
The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir opened at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar on 7 September 2026 and runs until 10 September. Its theme is 'Rang-e-Cinema'. The festival is screening 135 films from 41 countries, including screenings on shikaras on Dal Lake. It is organised with the National Film Development Corporation. The event aims to promote the region as a destination for film production and tourism.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.Under which section of the RBI Act, 1934 does the Centre set the inflation target?
Answer: B. Section 45ZA, inserted in 2016; the target is 4% CPI with a 2–6% band for 2026–31.
Q2.Zonal Councils in India are established under:
Answer: B. They are statutory bodies under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, chaired by the Union Home Minister.
Q3.Which city topped the million-plus category in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026?
Answer: B. Lucknow was first, Indore second and Jabalpur third.
Q4.Bhutan is the first country in WHO's South-East Asia Region to eliminate:
Answer: C. WHO validated Bhutan's elimination of dog-mediated rabies on 4 September 2026.
Q5.The DAC's 'Acceptance of Necessity' is:
Answer: B. AoN is the first stage of procurement under the Defence Acquisition Procedure.
Q6.Coal rake loading to the power sector on 6 September 2026 reached how many rakes a day?
Answer: C. It rose from 370 rakes on 3 September to 444 on 6 September.
Q7.VVP-I of the Vibrant Villages Programme was launched in April 2023 at:
Answer: B. VVP-I was launched at Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh; VVP-II at Nathanpur, Assam.
Q8.For a common High Court, which Article extends the reference to 'Governor' in Article 217 to the Governors of all States it serves?
Answer: C. Article 231 deals with common High Courts for two or more States.
Q9.PACT, launched by NITI Aayog on 7 September 2026, aims to:
Answer: B. PACT is the Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport, launched with a Zero Emission Truck marketplace.
Q10.The International Day of Clean Air for blue skies was established by UNGA resolution:
Answer: C. Resolution 74/212 of December 2019; first observed in 2020.
Source: PIB, RBI, The Indian Express and The Times of India.
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