Current affairs — 20 September 2026

N.S. Raja Subramani Appointed as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

<cite index="8-2">N.S. Raja Subramani (Age 61) has been serving as Chief of Defence Staff since May 31, 2026</cite>. <cite index="14-8">Lt General N.S. Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd) was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff, who also functions as Secretary to Government of India, Department of Military Affairs</cite>.

Why it matters: CDS appointment and date are crucial for defence and general awareness sections

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Appointed as New Chief of Naval Staff

<cite index="13-11,13-12">The Government appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the new Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi who retired on May 31, 2026</cite>. <cite index="13-13">Vice Admiral Swaminathan was serving as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command and is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare</cite>. <cite index="13-14">His name was recommended by a high-level selection committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi</cite>.

Why it matters: Service chiefs' appointments are standard current affairs questions across all government exams

India's Defence Ecosystem: Private Sector Share Reaches 24% in FY2025-26

<cite index="38-1">The Indian defence ecosystem includes 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings, 500 licensed defence companies and nearly 17,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises catering to armed forces requirements</cite>. <cite index="38-2">In FY 2025-26, the private sector's share in defence manufacturing was 24%, up from 22% in FY 2024-25</cite>.

Why it matters: Defence production statistics and Make in India progress are tested in economy and security topics

India-EU Free Trade Agreement Reached in January 2026

<cite index="8-4">On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union reached a free trade agreement</cite>. This development represents a significant milestone in India's international trade relations and economic diplomacy.

Why it matters: Major FTAs and their dates are frequently asked in economy and international relations sections

RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 5.25%, Projects GDP Growth at 7.4% for FY2025-26

<cite index="27-1,27-8">The Reserve Bank of India maintained its repo rate at 5.25% in February 2026 after a 25 bps cut in December, amid confidence in softer inflation outlook and improving growth</cite>. <cite index="27-4,27-11">The RBI raised its GDP growth forecast for FY2025/26 to 7.4% from 7.3%</cite>. <cite index="27-6,27-13">Inflation for FY2025/26 is projected at 2.1%</cite>. <cite index="27-7,27-14">The RBI also kept the SDF rate at 5.0% and the MSF rate at 5.50%</cite>.

Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions, repo rate, GDP projections, and inflation targets are core banking and economy questions

18th BRICS Summit Concludes in New Delhi with Adoption of New Delhi Declaration

<cite index="47-1">The 18th BRICS Summit was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from September 12-13, 2026 under India's BRICS chairship</cite>. <cite index="47-3,47-4">Leaders discussed reform of global governance, economic cooperation and international developments, culminating in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration</cite>. <cite index="48-5,48-6">Chinese President Xi Jinping attended and held bilateral talks with PM Modi, marking his first visit to India since the 2020 Galwan standoff</cite>.

Why it matters: BRICS summits and India's role in multilateral organizations are high-priority topics for prelims and mains

8th Pay Commission: Consultations Continue, DA at 60% Since January 2026

<cite index="29-1,29-10">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</cite>. <cite index="31-3">The 8th Pay Commission was officially formed on November 3, 2025, with Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai as Chairperson, affecting nearly 49 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners</cite>. <cite index="35-10,35-16,35-17">The deadline for ministries to upload workforce data was extended to July 31, 2026; the report is expected in early-to-mid 2027 with revised pay reaching accounts in 2027 with arrears backdated to January 2026</cite>.

Why it matters: DA at 60%, 8th Pay Commission formation date, chairperson name, and beneficiary numbers are direct exam questions

8th Pay Commission: Fitment Factor Projections Between 2.28 to 2.86

<cite index="30-2,30-16">The 8th Pay Commission's fitment factor is projected between 2.28 to 2.86, potentially raising the minimum basic pay to ₹41,000–₹51,480</cite>. <cite index="29-6,29-7,29-8">The Commission scheduled consultations in Jaipur, Chennai, Puducherry, and Chandigarh in August-September 2026, and has not yet finalized the fitment factor, pay matrix, or allowances</cite>. <cite index="31-3">Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai was appointed as Chairperson with an 18-month mandate</cite>.

Why it matters: Fitment factor range, chairperson name, and beneficiary count (49L employees + 65L pensioners) are exam staples

Current DA for Central Government Employees at 60% Since January 2026

<cite index="35-11">A 2% DA and Dearness Relief increase took effect from January 1, 2026, raising the rate from 58% to 60%</cite>. This benefits approximately 49 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners. The next DA revision is typically expected in July 2026, though no official announcement has been made for September 2026.

Why it matters: Current DA percentage is directly asked in SSC, Banking, and Railways exams; aspirants must know the latest rate

ISRO Chairman Inaugurates Bangalore Space Expo 2026, Calls for Industry Collaboration

<cite index="43-1,43-2">ISRO Chairman V Narayanan inaugurated the ninth edition of Bangalore Space Expo (BSX) 2026, emphasizing India's expanding role in global space and the need for greater private sector participation to meet India's target of 50 launches annually</cite>. <cite index="43-5,43-6">He stated that India has 56 operational space assets but needs 200-300 satellites over the next six to seven years</cite>. <cite index="43-8">Nearly 80% of the budget for PSLV, GSLV, and LVM-3 launches is invested in Indian industries, with around 450 companies working with ISRO</cite>.

Why it matters: ISRO chief's name, space asset numbers, and India's satellite requirements are testable facts

India at Asian Games 2026: Women's Cricket Team in Semi-Final, Multiple Medal Events Today

<cite index="1-2,2-12">India's women's cricket team is competing against Bangladesh in the semi-finals at the Asian Games 2026 on September 20 at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan</cite>. <cite index="1-5,2-5,2-6">Indian athletes have medal opportunities in shooting (women's 10m air rifle), wushu, and teqball events today</cite>. <cite index="1-9,1-10,2-7">The Indian hockey teams also begin their campaigns with women facing Uzbekistan and men taking on Indonesia</cite>.

Why it matters: Asian Games performances are frequently tested in sports current affairs for all major exams