Current affairs — 21 September 2026

Justice Surya Kant Serves as Chief Justice of India Since November 24, 2025

Justice Surya Kant has been serving as the Chief Justice of India since November 24, 2025. He is the 50th Chief Justice of India. C.P. Radhakrishnan serves as Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha since September 12, 2025.

Why it matters: Constitutional positions like CJI and Vice President are frequently tested in all competitive exams.

N.S. Raja Subramani Appointed as Chief of Defence Staff Since May 31, 2026

General N.S. Raja Subramani assumed office as India's Chief of Defence Staff on May 31, 2026. He succeeded the previous CDS and holds the critical position of coordinating among the three armed forces. General Dhiraj Seth serves as Chief of Army Staff from June 30, 2026, while Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is Chief of Naval Staff from June 1, 2026.

Why it matters: Appointments of service chiefs and CDS are standard questions in prelims and banking/SSC general awareness sections.

Suryakiran Aerobatic Team Makes Historic Debut Over Meerut Skies

The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force made its first-ever appearance over Meerut skies, delivering a high-precision air display. This landmark debut showcases the IAF's aerobatic capabilities and operational excellence.

Why it matters: IAF achievements and aerobatic team displays are relevant for defence exams and general awareness sections.

Production Linked Incentive Schemes Generate 8.49 Lakh Direct Jobs by March 2026

The Government of India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 sectors generated investment of ₹2,40,138 crore, cumulative exports of ₹15.2 lakh crore, and created 8,49,069 direct jobs plus 5.66 lakh indirect jobs by March 2026. The schemes aim to boost domestic manufacturing and make India a global manufacturing hub.

Why it matters: PLI schemes, their sectoral coverage, and employment generation are important for economy and governance topics in UPSC Mains.

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

The Reserve Bank of India maintained its key repo rate at 5.25% in February 2026 after a 25 bps cut in December. RBI raised its GDP growth forecast for FY2025-26 to 7.4% from 7.3%, with inflation projected at 2.1%. The SDF rate is 5.0% and MSF rate is 5.50%. India's forex reserves stood at $785.7 billion as of September 11, 2026.

Why it matters: RBI monetary policy, repo rate, and GDP growth projections are critical for banking exams and UPSC prelims/mains.

President Murmu to Address Conference on Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics

President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to address the valedictory session of the International Conference on Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics. The conference focuses on environmental challenges and climate action strategies.

Why it matters: Presidential addresses on environment and climate conferences are relevant for Essay, GS papers, and current affairs sections.

Union Budget 2026 Allocates ₹20,000 Crore for Carbon Capture Technology Over Five Years

The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026, allocated ₹20,000 crore over five years for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) deployment across key sectors. The budget also announced India will host the International Big Cat Alliance Summit with 95 range countries participating.

Why it matters: Budget allocations for environment and climate technology are important for prelims, mains, and interview preparation.

8th Pay Commission Consultation Phase Continues Across India

The 8th Central Pay Commission, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is conducting regional consultations in September 2026 including Chennai (September 7-8), Puducherry (September 9), and Chandigarh (September 16-18). The Commission was formally constituted on November 3, 2025, with January 1, 2026 as the reference date affecting nearly 49 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners.

Why it matters: Pay Commission developments directly impact government employees and are a staple topic in prelims and mains for all exams.

Dearness Allowance at 60% for Central Government Employees Since 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. This benefits approximately 49 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners. Speculation exists about a further hike to 63% possibly in September 2026.

Why it matters: DA revisions are crucial for banking and SSC exams; candidates must know the current rate and calculation method.

ISRO Chief Emphasizes 50-Launch Annual Target at Bangalore Space Expo 2026

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, at the Bangalore Space Expo 2026, highlighted India's goal of 50 launches annually with 450 active private space companies and over ₹1,300 crores of private capital invested in 2026. ISRO currently has 56 operational space assets but needs 200-300 satellites over the next six to seven years. Nearly 80% of PSLV, GSLV, and LVM-3 budgets are invested in Indian industries.

Why it matters: ISRO's expansion plans, private sector participation, and space policy reforms are crucial for UPSC and defence exams.

ISRO Successfully Launches EOS-05 (GISAT-1A) Earth Observation Satellite

ISRO launched EOS-05, also known as GISAT-1A, on September 3, 2026 using GSLV Mk II (F17) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This is the second satellite in the GISAT series for geosynchronous Earth observation, weighing 2,367 kg. The launch marked ISRO's effort to strengthen continuous monitoring capabilities.

Why it matters: ISRO missions, satellite launches, and space technology developments are high-priority topics across all government exams.

Asian Games 2026: India Begins Title Defence in Kabaddi, Continues Medal Hunt in Shooting

India's kabaddi teams launched their title defence at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan on September 21. The men's team faced Japan while the women's team played Bangladesh at Tokai Citizen Gymnasium. India had already secured two silver medals in shooting on Day 1 with Elavenil Valarivan and team winning women's 10m air rifle events.

Why it matters: Asian Games medal tallies and India's performance in traditional sports like kabaddi are frequently asked in competitive exams.