Listen: current affairs, 26 September 2026

Two Indian Scientists Win AGU 2026 Awards

Indian scientists Roxy Mathew Koll and Neelima Satyam were selected among AGU 2026 awardees. Koll will receive the Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communications Prize (USD 25,000) for communicating climate science and documenting Indian Ocean changes. Satyam, a professor at IIT Indore, will receive the Devendra Lal Memorial Medal for her work in geotechnical engineering and seismic hazards.

Why it matters: International recognition for Indian scientists; climate science and disaster management are important UPSC topics

INS Trishul Participates in Exercise Varuna 2026 with France

Indian Navy's guided missile frigate INS Trishul arrived at Toulon naval base, France on September 22, 2026 to participate in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna with the French Navy. Naval cooperation between India and France began in 1993, with the exercise formally named 'Varuna' in 2001. The exercise includes harbour and sea phases with tactical drills.

Why it matters: Bilateral defence exercises are standard prelims questions; India-France strategic partnership important for IR

India-Mongolia Joint Exercise Nomadic Elephant Begins

The India-Mongolia joint military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant' commenced in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand in September 2026. The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations, mountain warfare, and sharing best practices between the two armies. This bilateral exercise strengthens defence cooperation between India and Mongolia.

Why it matters: Bilateral military exercises with countries in India's extended neighbourhood; names and locations frequently asked in prelims

MoD Signs ₹810.79 Crore SAT-SAAW Contract with Bharat Dynamics

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth ₹810.79 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for Stand-off Anti-Tank Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW). This is part of the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to boost indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce import dependency.

Why it matters: Defence procurement under Atmanirbhar Bharat; indigenous weapons development and DPSUs are important exam topics

Make in India Completes 12 Years on September 25

The Make in India campaign completed 12 years on September 25, 2026, having been launched on September 25, 2014. Make in India 2.0 now covers 27 sectors including 15 manufacturing and 12 services sectors. Manufacturing GVA recorded a 10.88% CAGR between 2022-23 and 2025-26, with automobile production reaching 31.03 million units in 2024-25.

Why it matters: Important government initiative for prelims/mains; data on manufacturing growth crucial for economic questions

PLI Schemes Generate ₹23.8 Lakh Crore in Production, 14.6 Lakh Jobs

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on September 25, 2026 highlighted that Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes generated ₹2.40 lakh crore in investment, ₹23.8 lakh crore in production and sales, ₹15.2 lakh crore in exports, and created more than 14.6 lakh jobs. FY 2025-26 FDI inflow stood at a record USD 94.53 billion.

Why it matters: PLI scheme is a major economic policy; concrete numbers on investment, production, exports, and employment are frequently asked

IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Warning for Odisha on September 26

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Very Heavy Rainfall warning for Odisha on September 26, 2026, following a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal that crossed the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast. Heavy Rain warning is in place for September 27. Residents advised to follow local administration advisories.

Why it matters: Disaster management and IMD weather warnings; Bay of Bengal cyclones are frequent prelims topics

FSSAI Proposes Ban on 'Milk' Label for Plant-Based Drinks

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published a draft regulation on September 24, 2026 proposing restrictions on using dairy terms like 'milk', 'butter', 'cheese' for plant-based products. Products licensed under 'Analogue in Dairy Context' would be covered. FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders for 60 days.

Why it matters: FSSAI regulations and food safety standards are important for governance; consumer protection and labelling norms

Home Minister Amit Shah Sets Drug-Free India Target for 2029

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 3rd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads of States and set an ambitious target to make India drug-free by 2029. The conference focused on coordinated action against narcotics trafficking and abuse across states.

Why it matters: Government initiatives on social issues; ANTF and anti-drug policy important for governance and internal security

Current DA for Central Government Employees at 53% of Basic Pay

Central government employees are currently receiving Dearness Allowance (DA) at 53% of basic pay following a 3% hike effective from July 1, 2024. Employees and pensioners received three months of arrears with their October 2024 salary. DA is revised biannually in January and July based on inflation and All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI).

Why it matters: Current DA rate is standard prelims question; understanding DA calculation based on AICPI important for economy section

Union Cabinet Approves 8th Pay Commission

The Union Cabinet approved the constitution of the 8th Pay Commission to revise salaries and allowances for central government employees and pensioners. The decision will benefit approximately 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners. The 7th Pay Commission's term ends on December 31, 2025, and the government announced this well in advance for timely implementation.

Why it matters: Pay Commission revisions are major exam topics; affects salary structure, DA/DR, and fitment factor calculations

Premier Energies Commissions India's Largest Solar Cell Facility

Premier Energies commissioned India's largest solar cell manufacturing facility in September 2026. The facility supports India's renewable energy targets and the government's push for solar energy self-reliance under the National Solar Mission and PLI scheme for solar modules.

Why it matters: Renewable energy capacity addition; solar manufacturing and energy security are crucial for prelims and mains