Current affairs — 19 September 2026

Rajesh Kumar Singh Appointed as DRDO Chairman

Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre, assumed office as Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on June 1, 2026. He succeeded Dr. Samir V Kamat. Singh also serves as the 40th Defence Secretary of India (since November 1, 2024).

Why it matters: Heads of defence organizations and key appointments are regularly tested in all competitive exams

RBI Repo Rate Maintained at 5.25% in February 2026

The Reserve Bank of India maintained its key repo rate at 5.25% during its February 2026 Monetary Policy Committee meeting after cutting it by 25 basis points in December 2025. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate is at 5.0% and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate at 5.50%. RBI revised GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 to 7.4% and projected inflation at 2.1%.

Why it matters: RBI monetary policy rates, SDF/MSF rates, and GDP/inflation projections are core banking exam topics

Retail Inflation (CPI) at 4.82% in August 2026

India's retail inflation measured by Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 4.82% in August 2026 (provisional), up from 4.45% in July 2026. Food inflation stood at 5.95%. The inflation data is based on the new base year 2024=100. This remains within the RBI's inflation tolerance band of 2-6%.

Why it matters: Monthly CPI and WPI figures are standard Banking/SSC questions; RBI's monetary policy decisions depend on inflation data

Union Cabinet Lifts EPFO Wage Ceiling for First Time in 12 Years

The Union Cabinet approved lifting the EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) wage ceiling in September 2026, marking the first such revision in twelve years. This decision impacts the salary threshold for mandatory EPF contribution and allows higher-salaried employees to contribute more to their provident fund.

Why it matters: EPFO policy changes affect crores of workers; labour welfare questions are frequent in SSC/Banking exams

18th BRICS Summit Held in New Delhi (September 12-13, 2026)

India, under PM Narendra Modi's chairship, hosted the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026 with the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.' This was India's fourth time chairing BRICS after 2012, 2016, and 2021. India issued the New Delhi Declaration following the summit.

Why it matters: BRICS summits, India's chairship, and multilateral groupings are core UPSC/SSC topics

India-MERCOSUR Sign Protocol for Paperless Trade

India and MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market, a South American trade bloc) signed the First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) on September 18, 2026. The protocol enables acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin (e-CoO) and modernises customs and preferential-trade procedures, facilitating paperless cross-border trade.

Why it matters: India's trade agreements and digital customs initiatives are relevant for economy and international relations sections

8th Pay Commission Under Consultation; Final Report Awaited

The 8th Central Pay Commission, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is conducting stakeholder consultations across India (visits scheduled to Chennai, Puducherry, Chandigarh in September 2026). The Commission was constituted on November 3, 2025 with effect from January 1, 2026. The fitment factor (projected 2.28-2.86) and revised pay matrix have not been finalised; recommendations expected within 18 months of constitution.

Why it matters: Pay Commissions determine government salaries affecting 50 lakh employees + 69 lakh pensioners; aspirants must know formation date, chairman, and status

DA Hiked to 60% for Central Government Employees (Effective January 2026)

The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) effective from January 1, 2026, raising the rate from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension for central government employees and pensioners. This benefits approximately 50 lakh central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners.

Why it matters: DA hikes directly impact aspirants' future salaries; revision rates and effective dates are frequently asked

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: 23,757 Vacancies Announced

India Post announced a major recruitment drive for 23,757 Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts in September 2026, including Branch Postmaster, Assistant Branch Postmaster, and Gramin Dak Sevak positions. The application window is open from September 2 to September 21, 2026. Eligibility: 10th pass for most posts. This is one of the largest Class 10-based government recruitments of the year.

Why it matters: Large-scale recruitment notifications with vacancy numbers and dates are standard static GK/current affairs questions

ISRO's GSLV-F17/EOS-05 (GISAT-1A) Mission Successful

ISRO successfully launched the GSLV-F17/EOS-05 (GISAT-1A) mission on September 4, 2026, placing India's first imaging satellite in geo-synchronous orbit. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced six more launches planned for this financial year, including navigation satellite NVS-03 and the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission carrying humanoid Vyommitra later in 2026.

Why it matters: ISRO missions, satellite types (GEO imaging), and Gaganyaan are high-priority topics for all exams

PM Modi Inaugurates SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 on September 17, 2026 at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre), Dwarka, New Delhi. The three-day conference (September 17-19, 2026) is held on the theme 'Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem.' It is jointly organised by India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), and SEMI.

Why it matters: Government's push for semiconductor manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat; MeitY schemes frequently tested

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan

The 20th Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony was held on September 19, 2026 at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Shooter Manu Bhaker (two-time Olympic medallist) and shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor (two-time defending Asian Games champion) were India's flag bearers. India's teqball player Quimcy Dsouza competed in women's singles semi-finals on the opening day.

Why it matters: Major multi-sport event details often asked in GK sections; flag-bearers and India's performance are exam favorites