Current affairs
News for UPSC, SSC and defence exams, with the reason it matters.
September 2026
India hosts ninth Deputy NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave
- India virtually hosted the ninth Deputy NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave on 30 September 2026.
- Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Seychelles took part.
- Deputy NSA Pavan Kapoor led the Indian delegation.
Why it matters
[Data] The Colombo Security Conclave is a small Indian Ocean security grouping led by India. It covers maritime security, counter-terrorism and disaster relief, among its five pillars. It is a key part of India's neighbourhood security plan. Its member list is a likely exam question.
KAZIND-2026: India-Kazakhstan counter-terror exercise begins in Oskemen
- The ninth India-Kazakhstan exercise KAZIND runs from 28 September to 11 October 2026.
- It is held at Oskemen, Kazakhstan.
- India sent 60 troops, mainly from the Garhwal Rifles, plus IAF personnel.
Why it matters
[Data] KAZIND is India's army exercise with Kazakhstan. Khanjar is with Kyrgyzstan and Dustlik with Uzbekistan. This edition also practises drone and counter-drone use.
India retains Gaprindashvili Trophy at 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand
- The 46th Chess Olympiad was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 15 to 27 September 2026.
- India won silver in the Open section on tie-break; hosts Uzbekistan took gold.
- India's women won bronze; China won the women's gold.
Why it matters
[Data] The Gaprindashvili Trophy goes to the best nation across both sections combined. India also won it in 2022 at home and in 2024 in Budapest, where it took double gold. Olympiad hosts, winners and India's medals are common sports questions.
Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for six more months
- The Home Ministry extended AFSPA, 1958 in 'disturbed areas' of three states for six months from 1 October 2026.
- In Manipur, it covers the whole state except areas under 13 police stations.
- In Nagaland, it covers nine districts, including Dimapur, Mon, Kiphire and Phek.
Why it matters
[Polity] AFSPA gives the armed forces special powers in areas declared 'disturbed'. The Centre or a state can make that declaration. Extensions come every six months, so the covered states and districts are a favourite exam detail.
Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission sails from Chennai on Coast Guard ship Shaunak
- Indian Coast Guard ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai with sea riders from all four Quad countries.
- Six sea riders took part: two each from India and Japan, one each from Australia and the US.
- The mission was announced at the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026.
Why it matters
[First] The Quad is India, Australia, Japan and the US. The observer mission builds coast guard teamwork for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The 2025 and 2026 host ships are an easy trap.
Pune to host UCI Road World Championships 2032, a first for India
- India will host the UCI Road World Championships for the first time, in 2032.
- Pune, in Maharashtra, was chosen as the host city.
- The decision was announced at the UCI Congress in Montreal, Canada.
Why it matters
[First] Host cities of world championships are standard sports questions. This is India's first road cycling world championship. Montreal is where the vote was held, not the host city.
Supreme Court split verdict on CEC selection panel; minister on panel ‘fails perception test’
- On 23 September 2026, a two-judge Supreme Court Bench gave a split verdict on the 2023 CEC Act case.
- The 2023 Act replaced the Chief Justice with a Cabinet Minister on the CEC selection panel.
- Justice Dipankar Datta said this gives the government an effective veto and fails the 'perception test'.
Why it matters
[SC Ruling] An independent Election Commission is part of the Basic Structure. The panel now has the PM, a minister and the Leader of Opposition. The validity of the 2023 Act is still undecided.
Asked before: NDA (I) 2026 asked how the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed under Article 324.
INS Trishul reaches Toulon for the 24th edition of India-France naval exercise Varuna
- On 22 September 2026, the stealth frigate INS Trishul reached Toulon, France.
- It went there for the 24th edition of Varuna, the India-France naval exercise.
- The exercise has harbour and sea phases to improve how the two navies work together.
Why it matters
[Data] Varuna is India's naval exercise with France. Shakti is the army exercise and Garuda the air exercise. Exams often test these pairings.
Second edition of IAF’s multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti to be held at Jodhpur
- Tarang Shakti 2026 is the second edition of the IAF's multinational air exercise.
- It runs from 26 September to 12 October at Air Force Station Jodhpur and nearby bases.
- Eight countries are sending aircraft: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE and the USA.
Why it matters
[Defence] Tarang Shakti is India's largest multinational air exercise. The first edition was held in 2024. Exams ask about its host, edition and participants.
India-New Zealand FTA ratified; it comes into force on 20 October 2026
- On 21 September 2026, India and New Zealand exchanged notes completing ratification of their FTA.
- The agreement comes into force on 20 October 2026.
- New Zealand removes duties on all Indian goods. Most of its exports to India become duty-free or cheaper.
Why it matters
[Policy] It is one of India's newest FTAs. Keeping dairy out was India's key condition. New Zealand also committed $20 billion of investment in India.
Asked before: CDS (I) 2026 asked about the India-New Zealand FTA signed in December 2025.
India and the Visegrad Group hold first V4+India foreign ministers’ meeting
- On 21 September 2026, India and the Visegrad Group (V4) held their first foreign ministers' meeting.
- The V4 is Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
- It met on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
Why it matters
[First] This creates a new format for India's ties with Central Europe. It builds on deepening India-EU ties. Defence, technology and connectivity were key topics.
18th India-Mongolia exercise Nomadic Elephant begins at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
- The 18th edition of India-Mongolia exercise Nomadic Elephant began at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh.
- It is an annual platoon-level exercise, held alternately in India and Mongolia.
- Each side sent 45 personnel. The exercise runs till 3 October.
Why it matters
[Defence] Matching an exercise to its partner country is a common exam question. Nomadic Elephant pairs India with Mongolia. The venue alternates between the two countries each year.
Japan’s air chief flies in Tejas during India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian 2026
- Veer Guardian 2026, the second India-Japan bilateral air exercise, was held at Jodhpur in September 2026.
- On 20 September, IAF chief A.P. Singh and Japan's air chief Gen. Takehiro Morita flew together in a Tejas formation.
- Gen. Morita flew in a Tejas trainer.
Why it matters
[First] A foreign air chief flying in Tejas signals trust in the Indian-made jet. It may help Tejas exports. Exam questions often ask which country takes part in which exercise.
India and Sri Lanka hold 13th edition of naval exercise SLINEX in Visakhapatnam
- SLINEX-26, the 13th India-Sri Lanka naval exercise, ran in Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026.
- India sent the anti-submarine corvette INS Kavaratti and fleet tanker INS Jyoti.
- Sri Lanka sent SLNS Sindurala.
Why it matters
[Data] SLINEX is India's naval exercise with Sri Lanka. Mitra Shakti is the army exercise. Exams often mix up such pairs. It came a week after Rajnath Singh's visit to Colombo.
India stays 131st of 145 on WEF Global Gender Gap Index 2026
- On 16 September 2026, the World Economic Forum released the Global Gender Gap Index 2026.
- India stayed 131st of 145 countries, with 64.5% of its gender gap closed.
- Iceland, Finland and Norway took the top three places. Chad came last.
Why it matters
[Data] India's score improved slightly, but its rank did not move. Its weakest area is economic participation, at 41.2% parity. The WEF says full global parity is still 120 years away.
Asked before: UPSC Prelims 2017 asked which body publishes the Global Gender Gap Index.
India rejects Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission as having no legal basis
- On 16 September 2026, India rejected the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission.
- The commission held its first meeting in Islamabad.
- India says there is no boundary between Pakistan and China.
Why it matters
[Mains] India treats all of J&K and Ladakh as its territory, including areas under Pakistan's control. It also opposes CPEC, which runs through PoK. The Shaksgam Valley and the 1963 agreement are common exam facts.
Asked before: UPSC Mains 2018 asked about CPEC as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.
22nd edition of India-US Army exercise Yudh Abhyas begins at Auli, Uttarakhand
- The 22nd edition of India-US Army exercise Yudh Abhyas opened at the Foreign Training Centre, Auli, in Chamoli district.
- Each side sent a contingent of 600 personnel.
- Drills are held at Auli and at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
Why it matters
[Defence] Yudh Abhyas is India's army exercise with the United States. Exams often ask for its partner country and venue.
IAF’s first Dronathon-2026 begins at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer
- The Indian Air Force held its first Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer.
- It was a three-day event for Indian makers of drones and anti-drone systems.
- Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit opened it.
Why it matters
[Defence] The event backs Atmanirbhar Bharat in unmanned systems. It looked at drones and counter-drone tools, not fighter jets or missiles.
India hosts 18th BRICS Summit; leaders adopt the New Delhi Declaration
- On 12 September 2026, the 11-member BRICS adopted the New Delhi Declaration at Bharat Mandapam.
- PM Modi chaired the 18th summit. Putin, Xi Jinping and Iran's Pezeshkian attended.
- The declaration backs a bigger UN Security Council role for India and Brazil.
Why it matters
[Policy] India forged consensus after Iran and the UAE agreed on wording about the West Asia war. The declaration opposed unilateral tariffs. BRICS summits and their hosts are a regular exam question.
Asked before: NDA (II) 2025 asked which statements about BRICS Summits are correct.
Modi and Xi meet in New Delhi, welcome ‘steady progress’ in India-China ties
- On 12 September 2026, PM Modi met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- It was their first meeting since the SCO summit in Tianjin in August 2025.
- Both sides said differences should not become disputes.
Why it matters
[Mains] Xi came to India for a two-day visit amid a thaw since the 2020 Galwan clash. Talks covered the boundary question and peace along the LAC. Leader-level meetings since Kazan 2024 mark the slow repair of ties.
Rajnath Singh makes first Indian Defence Minister visit to Sri Lanka in 38 years; three MoUs signed
- Rajnath Singh visited Sri Lanka on 8-10 September 2026, the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister since 1988.
- On 9 September, he met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo.
- The two sides signed three MoUs on defence equipment and training.
Why it matters
[First] The last such visit was by K.C. Pant in 1988. Dissanayake repeated that Sri Lanka will not let its land be used against India's security. The visit fits India's Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies.
Asked before: UPSC Prelims 2024 asked about Exercise Mitra Shakti, the India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise.
DAC clears ₹1.10 lakh crore of defence purchases, 98% from Indian industry
- On 7 September 2026, the DAC gave Acceptance of Necessity to proposals worth ₹1.10 lakh crore.
- About 98% of the purchases are planned from Indian industry.
- Army items include CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, advanced light helicopters and the Sarvatra Bridge System.
Why it matters
[Data] The DAC, chaired by the Defence Minister, clears capital purchases for the forces. Acceptance of Necessity is the first step in a purchase. The 98% domestic share shows the indigenisation push. Indian marine gas turbines would cut reliance on foreign engine makers.
India and China hold first Corps Commander talks in the Eastern Sector, in Arunachal
- On 6 September 2026, India and China held their first Corps Commander-level meeting in the Eastern Sector.
- It took place at the Vacha-Damai Border Personnel Meeting Point in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Lt Gen Girish Kalia of 3 Corps (Spear Corps) led India's 12-member delegation.
Why it matters
[First] The meeting extends the Corps Commander mechanism beyond Ladakh to the eastern LAC. It came amid reports of Chinese activity in the Taksing area of Upper Subansiri. It was held days before India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit.
GSLV-F17 launches EOS-05, India’s first imaging satellite for geosynchronous orbit
- On 4 September 2026, GSLV-F17 launched the 2,367-kg EOS-05 satellite from Sriharikota.
- EOS-05 is India's first imaging satellite designed to watch Earth from geosynchronous orbit, about 36,000 km up.
- It is the heaviest satellite a GSLV has launched so far.
Why it matters
[First] A satellite in geosynchronous orbit can keep watching the same region. That helps disaster management, farming and strategic monitoring. Most imaging satellites fly in low orbits and pass over an area only now and then.
Ganga Water Treaty with Bangladesh expires on 31 December 2026; Centre to weigh Bihar’s concerns
- The 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty expires on 31 December 2026.
- EAM S. Jaishankar said India will keep Bihar's interests in mind before deciding on renewal.
- JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha had asked the Centre not to renew it, saying it hurt Bihar.
Why it matters
[Mains] The treaty shares the Ganga's water at Farakka in the dry season. Its renewal is a major item in India-Bangladesh ties this year. It also shows how states can shape India's water diplomacy.
Asked before: CAPF 2022 asked with which country India shares Ganga water at Farakka.
Rajnath Singh releases ‘Raksha’, a 10-year framework for India’s defence diplomacy
- On 3 September 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released 'Raksha', a 10-year defence diplomacy framework.
- It covers defence partnerships, joint exercises, training and capacity building with friendly countries.
- It aims to grow defence exports and make India a reliable defence manufacturing partner.
Why it matters
[Policy] This is a written long-term roadmap for defence diplomacy. It ties exports, exercises and maritime security into one plan. 'Net Security Provider' and 'First Responder' are common GS-II and GS-III terms.
IAF successfully tests indigenous long-range glide bomb Khagantak-243
- On 2 September 2026, the IAF successfully drop-tested the Khagantak-243 long-range glide bomb.
- The bomb was designed and developed in India.
- The IAF said the trials met all their objectives.
Why it matters
[First] A glide bomb lets a fighter strike from a stand-off distance. The aircraft can stay outside the reach of some enemy air defences. The test is part of the push to cut weapon imports under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Shakti Sharma becomes first non-medical woman officer to reach Air Vice Marshal rank
- On 1 September 2026, Shakti Sharma became the first non-medical woman officer to reach Air Vice Marshal rank.
- The first counts all three armed forces, including equivalent ranks in the Army and Navy.
- She took charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters.
Why it matters
[First] Women had reached this level before only through the medical branch. Air Vice Marshal equals Major General in the Army and Rear Admiral in the Navy. Defence exams often ask about women's firsts in the forces.
26th SCO Summit in Bishkek adopts 28 documents; Pakistan takes over the 2026-27 chair
- The 26th SCO Heads of State Council met in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 1 September 2026.
- It approved 28 documents, including the Bishkek Declaration and a protocol amending the SCO Charter.
- It also approved an MoU with the African Union Commission.
Why it matters
[International Relations] The SCO was founded in 2001 and now has 10 full members. India became a full member in 2017.